Mark Chapman steered New Zealand to an extraordinary triumph against Pakistan, equalizing the five-match Twenty20 series at 2-2. The Kiwis successfully chased a target of 194 runs in 19.2 overs.
The Blackcaps had a disastrous start, losing two wickets in Shaheen Afridi’s first over. Tom Latham (0) and Will Young (4) returned to the pavilion in New Zealand’s opening.
Imad Wasim took two more wickets for Pakistan, dismissing Chad Bowes (19) and Daryl Mitchell (15) before the end of the 10th over. At that point, the Kiwis had scored just 73 runs, with a mounting required run rate.
However, Jimmy Neesham and Chapman took charge, forming a match-winning partnership. The duo added 121 runs in just 58 balls, attacking the Pakistani bowlers relentlessly. Chapman remained unbeaten, scoring 104 runs off 57 balls with 11 fours and four sixes. Neesham contributed 45 runs from 25 balls, including four fours and two sixes.
Pakistan, batting first, scored 193-5 in their allotted 20 overs. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan gave Pakistan a solid start, adding 51 runs in 34 balls for the opening wicket. After that, however, Pakistan lost three wickets for just one run, with Azam (19), Mohammad Haris (0), and Saim Ayub (0) dismissed within five deliveries.
Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed steadied the innings with a crucial 71-run partnership in 46 balls. After Iftikhar’s departure, Imad Wasim played a valuable cameo of 31 runs in 14 balls. Rizwan remained unbeaten on 98 runs off 62 balls, falling just short of his second T20I century.
Blair Tickner was New Zealand’s most effective bowler, taking 3-33 in four overs.
Ihsanullah and Mohammad Haris replaced Fakhar Zaman and Zaman Khan for Pakistan, while James Neesham and Blair Tickner replaced Matt Henry and Cole McConchie for New Zealand.
Pakistan won the first two matches, but New Zealand bounced back in the third T20I. Unfortunately, the fourth T20I in Rawalpindi was washed out due to rain. Notably, eight New Zealand players are absent due to the Indian Premier League (IPL), and captain Kane Williamson is injured, giving youngsters a chance to shine.
Following the T20 series, Pakistan and New Zealand will play five one-day internationals, preparing for this year’s 50-over World Cup in India.
